Stay Safe This Season With Help From Freeport Ford
Winter in Northern Illinois doesn’t ask if you’re ready — it simply shows up, dumps a cocktail of snow, ice, and slush on the roads, and dares your tires to figure it out.
Whether you’re commuting to work, taking kids to practice, or heading out on a holiday trip, safe winter driving requires preparation, confidence, and the right vehicle under you.
Here’s your guide to staying safe on the road this winter — backed by real statistics, real Ford advantages, and smart tips you can start using today.
🚨 Winter Driving Risk by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 17 percent of all vehicle crashes occur during snowy or icy conditions.
- 1,300+ deaths and over 116,000 injuries happen each year due to winter weather.
Source: https colon slash slash crashstats dot nhtsa dot gov slash Api slash Public slash ViewPublication slash 812522
The Federal Highway Administration reports:
- 70 percent of U.S. roads are in regions that receive more than five inches of snow per year.
- Nearly 75 percent of weather-related crashes happen on wet, snowy, or icy pavement.
The Illinois DOT adds:
- Illinois averages 5,000+ crashes every winter involving snow or ice.
Source: https colon slash slash www2 dot illinois dot gov slash idot slash TransportationSafety slash Pages slash crashfacts dot aspx
These numbers aren’t here to scare you — they’re a reminder that preparation matters.
📊 Top Winter Driving Tips + Benefits
| Winter Driving Tip | Why It Matters | What It Prevents |
|---|---|---|
| Slow down & increase following distance | Snow increases stopping distance by up to 10x | Rear-end collisions |
| Use gentle braking & acceleration | Sudden movements cause loss of traction | Spin-outs |
| Keep tires properly inflated | Cold reduces PSI; underinflation reduces grip | Sliding on ice & poor handling |
| Clear all snow/ice before driving | Snow on roof or hood can block visibility | Visibility hazards & fines |
| Keep headlights on | Helps others see you in low-visibility | Crashes caused by poor visibility |
| Know your drivetrain | AWD/4WD improve traction but not braking | Overconfidence crashes |
| Pack a winter emergency kit | Keeps you safe when stranded | Frostbite risks & long waits |
| Watch for drifting snow & black ice | Invisible hazards that catch drivers off guard | Loss of control |
🚗 Ford Vehicles That Excel in Winter Conditions
Freeport drivers love Ford for many reasons — winter capability is one of them.
Here are some standout models (with source links for credibility):
Ford F-150®
- Available 4×4 system with electronic locking rear differential
- Selectable drive modes including Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand
- High ground clearance
Ford Explorer®
- Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System
- Snow/Grass/Gravel drive modes
- Perfect for families needing stability in winter
Ford Bronco Sport®
- G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) including Snow and Slippery
- Standard 4×4
- Exceptional visibility and traction
Ford Escape® AWD
- Intelligent AWD system sends power where needed
- Great fuel economy and winter capability
- Ideal for commuters
Ford Expedition®
- Heavy, stable, and powerful
- Control Trac® 4WD with specific snow handling advantages
- A top choice for large families or towing in winter
❄️ 11 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Northern Illinois
1. Accelerate and brake slowly
Jerky motions = instant loss of traction.
2. Leave every stop with patience
Ice turns your wheels into figure skaters… graceful until they hit the ground.
3. Increase following distance
On snow? Double your normal distance.
On ice? Triple it.
4. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads
Cruise cannot detect ice — but your tires will.
5. Keep your gas tank above half
Prevents fuel line freeze and keeps you warm if stranded.
6. Check your tires weekly
Cold temps drop tire pressure fast.
7. Know if you have AWD, 4WD, or FWD
They all help differently.
AWD helps traction.
4WD helps deep snow.
None help you stop faster.
8. Clear ALL snow from your vehicle
Yes, even the roof.
Windshield “peek holes” are dangerous and illegal.
9. Use your headlights during the day
Visibility = safety.
10. Pack a winter emergency kit
(Lucky for you — we already wrote a full blog on this!)
11. Get your winter safety inspection at Freeport Ford
We’ll check:
- Battery
- Tires
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Wipers
- Heat/defrost
- Undercarriage
- Alignment
Winter exposes every weakness — and we can help prevent that.
💙 If You’re Nervous About Winter Driving — You’re Not Alone
And that’s why Freeport Ford is here.
We don’t just sell cars — we help keep your family safe on the road.
Whether you need winter tires, an AWD Ford, a battery check, or a service appointment, we’ve got you covered.
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